D Grant Smith
Feedback Rating
D Grant Smith
- Title
- Syndicated radio host I Podcast host I Audience Growth Coach I Author I Speaker
- Bio
I first started working with musicians 1997 as a DJ on a tiny radio station in Alvin, Tx. I went on to create and host the nationally syndicated Appetizer Radio Show. The syndication process showed me how building strong relationships with the media personalities I wanted to work with was the real key to growth. It's all about relationships. Now, that's what I specialize in helping people achieve. As an entrepreneur and nonprofit advocate, my experiences in music and media have been influential in the lives of countless indie and DIY artists, led to being awarded Radio Ink Magazine's Rising Stars Of Radio in 2012 and more. I'm not as actively involved in broadcast media but my focus is still in relationship growth. My debut book "The DIY Musician's Radio Handbook" is the "How To Win Friends & Influence People" for musicians and creatives (available on Amazon). There are plenty of bandwagon approaches to marketing and growth. The bandwagons rarely work for people who are doing things on their own, taking a DIY route or in startup mode (they rarely work for folks who have big budgets too, but don't admit it). Instead of following the herd, I show uncommon, unique methods of growth that build strong, supportive communities of loyal and passionate followers. I've spent over 18 years in media in both the nonprofit and business world, including creating a syndicated radio program. I've also worked with many artists & musicians in audience building, started businesses, and created growth for individuals and companies through marketing platforms and strategies. More info on my company at http://appetizerradio.com and audience building services at http://dgrantsmith.com Host and creator of syndicated The Appetizer Radio Show (est 2003), heard around the world and featuring new and emerging artists each week. The radio show has been integral in bringing unknown and unsigned musicians to new audiences, growing fan bases, and helping to establish household names in indie music. The annual Golden Fork Award has been presented to renowned artists including Iron & Wine, William Fitzsimmons, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Rocketboys, Dry The River, and more. In 2013, I transitioned out of radio management and into a marketing role, which led to the creation of his own brand of coaching and mentoring for musicians in the indie realm. Audience growth and cultivation is at the heart of what every musician has to do to make a career in this industry. Using my experience, knowledge, and networking, I help artists grow your core audience through strategic relationship building, radio promotion, and communication.
- Website
- dgrantsmith.com
- Expertise
- music promotion, music marketing, strategy, networking, radio promotion, promoting artists, critical listening, music reviews
- Interests
- indie rock, alternative, punk, singer/songwriter, edm, folk rock, americana, indie folk, acoustic, grunge
- Location
- Abilene, TX
Recent Feedback
Renaissance Man submitted media.
Believe by Golia
Stuart Harris submitted media.
My Love by White Horses
The track is a nice tune. The video is really confusing. I like looking at birds but I'm a little lost what you're trying to convey with this presentation. Your song has a Elvis Costello vibe to it, which is nice. I can see this getting traction on some Light AC stations and media outlets.
Ricardo Temporao submitted media.
Stuntman (Official Music Video) by Brutus Begins
Interesting song Brutus. It's been a while. Glad to see you're still writing thought-provoking and emotional songs. Nice build up in this one. Has a 90s alternative rock vibe to it, which is really appealing. Well done on your mix and mastering. The video could do a little more to communicate the story that your song is trying to illustrate. Cut clips of your recording this doesn't do much for the emotional depth that the song has.
Hamish Anderson submitted media.
Out Of My Head by Hamish Anderson
The video tells a story differently than the song does. Which is rather interesting. From a listening perspective, I enjoy this song. It has a Van Morrison feel to it. Makes me curious what the rest of your songbook sounds like.
Hamish Anderson submitted media.
You Give Me Something by Hamish Anderson
I like this tune. And I love the Jim Morrison vibe you have going on. Nice sound, tune, and mood you're rocking out with. Your video looks great and your song really flows well. Nice guitar work as well. There's a Joe Bonamassa meets Oasis feel to this song.
Nathan Engel submitted media.
White Walls by Miles on End
This is a superb mix! I loved being able to hear the bass so clearly instead of the usual mixes that aren't balanced as well. Nice work. This tune has a feel of a combined jam band with a pop-punk feel. Reminded me a little of the Get Up Kids with a Phish vibe. Really well done. I recommend you going hard after college stations, particularly in your region and getting booked to play in those areas. There's an ambient feel to your song that hits the wave of music fans who love music festivals. Make that you're aim. I've recommended a few stations here that would be good fit for you too. Keep up the great work!
Robert Watts submitted media.
Ok to Drive (Official) by These Fine Moments
Not the song I was expecting. Goes in different directions than I thought it would. Great job lyrically and building a great ballad. A reverse love song, or the kind that goes down the heartbreak route in a different way. There's a lot here that's great. However the video doesn't convey the tone of the song as well as it could. I really love the song. The video feels like you're wanting to tell a story about a relationship being over and you coming to terms with it. It splices that theme in there with the car and the turn signal. But doesn't convey that same emotion through out. That's just my honest 2 cents on the video. The song itself is really solid.
Matt Moberg submitted media.
Young and Yours by Matt Moberg
I really dig your sound. The softness of the melody reminds me of Brett Dennen with a Joshua James instrumentation. Nice work on the flow and composition. You have some subtle shifts between verse and chorus that are a little different than your typical folk/singer-songwriter tune. Makes me curious what the rest of your album or EP sounds like. Shoot me an email and let's talk more (my media platform showcases albums, not singles). Either way, I'd like to play this tune on my show. Reference this Fluence review so I don't miss it. My email is dgrant@dgrantsmith.com.
Giuseppe Greco submitted media.
This Time feat. Celine Farach & Matluck by Jayden
I love everything about this video. The story, the music, the visuals, the themes and messages. Great song! How can I hear the rest of your album? My radio show focuses on albums and not singles (we play 2 cuts per album in each episode). I'd love to talk with you more about this. My email is dgrant@dgrantsmith.com. Reference this Fluence review so I don't mistake it. Thanks!
Mike Nicholson submitted media.
Wanderer (Hold) by The Parachute Brigade - Topic
I really love the flow and movement of this track. The music is really dynamite, and the lyrics pull at the heart strings. Nice work! The duo vocalists adds such a powerful dynamic. What's the rest of your album sound like? I'm really curious. From this song I'm pretty sure I'll love it. My radio show is all about albums, which is why I ask. Email me dgrant@dgrantsmith.com and let's talk. Please mention this Fluence review so I don't mistake it.
Austin Mulka submitted media.
Soul by Austin Mulka
Groovy track dude. Reminds me a little of some of the late 90s era alt-rock like Better Than Ezra and Lifehouse. Makes me curious about the rest of your album. Would love to talk with you about how to get this track out to more people. Email me dgrant@dgrantsmith.com and we can talk.
Michael Soiseth submitted media.
Pretty Roses by Raygun Carver
There is so much about this song to appreciate. The lyricism is fantastic! Your sound textures work really well. Instrumentation is fluid and crisp. What a great song! Makes me want to hear the rest of your album or EP. Let me know how I can experience more of your music. How are you getting this out to more people? Let's talk via email. Mine is dgrant@dgrantsmith.com. Please reference this Fluence review so I don't mistake it. Looking forward to talking with you.
G P submitted media.
Long Distance Love by The Unfinished Story (ft. Kurt Baumer) by The Unfinished Story
Overall I like the song. Interesting video and use of rocks to serve as captions. That's actually incredibly creative. The mix you have is where I think you could improve. A mastering specialist can give you some insights into making the final mix really shine. Overall though, this is a nice song.
Russell Alexander submitted media.
Angel In The Shadows by Russell Alexander
Love the groove and melody. Nice tune. Really cool chorus line too. What does the rest of your album sound like? Shoot me an email dgrant@dgrantsmith.com. How are you getting your music out to more fans?
Michael Soiseth submitted media.
YEAH YEAH by Raygun Carver
Interesting style. Reminds me a little of Elvis Costello from the late 90s and Burt Bacharach's work from the 70s. Horns add an interesting texture to the dynamic. Overall good song.
Michael Schwartz submitted media.
Joy to See by The Tale
"Never trust anyone under 30," is an inventive statement. Might take that seriously with a few exceptions. Interesting song to be introduced to your band. Overall the sound dynamic is pretty cool. Wish the vocals were mixed a little differently (slightly higher level versus the band would sound great!). Hard to tell the rest of the lyrics outside of the chorus, which takes a little away from the listening dynamic. Since I work primarily in radio, that's an essential piece.
G P submitted media.
The Wake Up Call (featuring Kurt Baumer) by The Unfinished Story
Nice tune. The string overlay sounds nice. Sad tune but moving.
Taylor Hungerford submitted media.
Ten Ton Heart by Tar & Flowers
Fun and festive tune with a nice western-groove sound. I like the guitar work. Sounds like a great theme for a modern western-themed flick. Cool indie tune. What's the rest of your record sound like. Email me and we can talk more?
Hamish Anderson submitted media.
No Good by Hamish Anderson from Melbourne, Australia (ROCKWOOD SHOW 11/1)
Cool tune! I dig the bass and drum groove. Sweet solo too. Where can I hear your other songs?
natalie bancroft submitted media.
Someone to Watch over Me by Natalie Bancroft
Refreshing take on the classic song, while still holding onto elements that made this such a hit. Great use of textures and pacing. Not rushed or overdone. I know you're working on a few different styles of music and crossover elements. This is very well done. Where are you collecting all your new recordings together in one place?
Dodson submitted media.
Shed Some Light by Dodson
I really dig this sound. The way it just comes out and hits hard straight away. Great vibe to the track. I'm curious what the rest of your album or EP sounds like. I'm an album fan, and my platform features albums and more of the artist songbook than just a single. I'm curious what else you're doing to promote your work. Let's have a conversation about it. Shoot me an email to dgrant@dgrantsmith.com and please mention this Fluence review so I don't miss it. Looking forward to connecting with you.
Maiah Wynne submitted media.
Sleep by Maiah Wynne
I dig the melody and the movement. I kept waiting for a huge buildup that didn't happen, but that's ok. This didn't play out like a typical alternative song, which is really cool because the unpredictable nature makes it much more savory. Almost has a flair of the Cranberries meets Mazzy Star. Nice tune!
Matt Como submitted media.
First Time by The Como Brothers
Man this song is excellent! Well written and produced. It's an affirming Father and Son with such a sweet vibe. Well done. This is a must share!
In Between Drinks by Lisa Mac
I appreciate the explanation and story behind the song in your description. It's interesting and intriguing. Overall the song is well done. I enjoy the flow and melody, and how you have incorporated R&B, jazz, and soul into this tune. What does your other writing/music sound like?
Jacob Brown submitted media.
IDIOT by Mermaed
Great tune! Aggressive and poignant at the same time. That's a rarity. Great beat, melody and movement. There's a punkish Avril Lavigne style here and it really works. I'm curious what the rest of your tracks sound like and if you have a clean version of this one (can't do F bombs on FM radio these days). Many of the folks I'll recommend you to have media platforms that need an edited cut, something to consider in reaching out to media curators if you don't have it already prepared. I do like the tune.
Cult Fantastic submitted media.
Screens (Official Music Video) by Cult Fantastic
Hahahahahaha! This is a great track, and your video is badass too. I totally agree with what you're saying. Great job addressing the silliness and narcissism of society through technology. Humor, sarcasm, and a gut-check all at once. I love your emoji masks. Nice work man! What other tracks do you have? You have me very curious about your other tracks. Let me know what else you have that I can showcase on my radio show by shooting me an email to dgrant@dgrantsmith.com. Please reference this Fluence review so I don't miss it.
Ricardo Temporao submitted media.
The Nothing Here by Brutus Begins
Another impressive song and video. Your music and songwriting keeps getting better and better. I really love this one! Send it to me. You have my email address right? Easiest is dgrant@dgrantsmith.com. Let's talk soon!
Adam Rose submitted media.
Smash This Paradigm Down by Adam Rose
Cool tune my friend! I like the different instrument textures you have here. Plus the uplifting nature of the song is really strong. It's thought-provoking and powerful. Indie media that focuses on artists similar to Phil Collins, Paul Simon, and Roger Waters would be a good fit for you.
Alex Sidelnikov submitted media.
Dying Dogs by Common Static
Nice tune. Sounds like a mix between Rise Against and Mayday Parade. Curious what your other tunes sound like, and how you're marketing your music to other curators in media (blogs, radio, podcasts, etc). Shoot me an email and let's talk. dgrant@dgrantsmith.com
Paul Surowiec submitted media.
I Can Feel The Night by Surreal Nation
Love the song, and especially love the message. What else do you have? Feel free to shoot me an email. I love songs that talk about a process of hope and light. Reach me at dgrant@dgrantsmith.com. Reference this fluence submission so I don't miss it.
Watch It! by LamoSic
I appreciate the rock-rap style. It's been a while. Sounds like Beastie Boys meets Beck at a wild dinner party. Sound quality and mix is good. This would be airplay worthy with a clean edit (for terrestrial FM stations). And I'm a little curious what your other song sounds like. Feel free to shoot me an email to dgrant@dgrantsmith.com to talk more if you want insights into connecting with more media.
No Need to Fear by Herling
Love this tune! Brilliant singer-songwriter sound with a killer guitar lead. Nice stuff! What's the rest of this album sound like? Would love to hear what else you have. Shoot me an email to dgrant@dgrantsmith.com and let's talk!
Liam Pugh submitted media.
Summer Lull/Summer Love by Liam Pugh
Cool vibe and sound. Around 2:00 the shift in rhythm creates a different kind of experience. Dig it. Do you have a clean version (for airplay consideration)? Would love to hear the other tunes you have. Shoot an email to dgrant@dgrantsmith.com and let's talk.
natalie bancroft submitted media.
Ain't no sunshine (Cover) by Natalie Bancroft
Love the Latin twist on this blues classic! Great mix on this track. That guitar is fantastic too. You captured the tragedy and sadness in the passion of this song. Well done! All this plus a very moving and well made video. Makes me look forward to your other upcoming releases. I'll definitely be sharing this one.
Ricardo Temporao submitted media.
THE NOTHING HERE LYRIC VIDEO by BRUTUS BEGINS
Cool tune my friend! I lost myself in it for a little bit. Do you have a new album you're releasing. Email me and let's talk more.
One Day by Corwin Bolt and the Wingnuts
Enjoyed the classic Americana style here. Reminded me of a better sounding Tom Waits. Very nice composition and arrangement, on top of creative presentation. Lyrics are pretty excellent too. What does the rest of your album or EP sound like? I'm very intrigued. Send me an email to dgrant@dgrantsmith.com and mention this Fluence review so we can talk more.
Kiss Me (Audio Only) by Olivia Foy
Honestly, I haven't enjoyed a country-sounding tune in a long time. But I like this one. It's fun, sweet, and has a great sound to it. Makes me curious what the rest of the album or EP this song comes from sounds like. I'd love to hear it, and learn more about what you're doing to get your music out to media and new audiences. Shoot me an email dgrant@dgrantsmith.com and we'll talk more. Mention this Fluence review so I don't miss it. Talk with you soon!
D Grant Smith